News and Events for Nantucket Island
The author of eight New York Times bestsellers, winner of the National Book Award and the George Washington Book Prize, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, islander Nathaniel Philbrick is one of America’s most celebrated narrative historians. And on July 10, he will be the recipient of the Nantucket Atheneum’s 2026 Luminary Award.
The Nantucket Historical Association is beginning the next phase of restoration work on Nantucket’s iconic Old Mill, built in 1746. The NHA purchased the mill in 1897. In 1992, it was designated as a historic mechanical engineering landmark and is believed to be the oldest working windmill in the United […]
The Nantucket Historical Association is proud to honor Arie L. Kopelman with the official naming of the Whaling Museum’s Scrimshaw and Decorative Arts Gallery, Arie L. Kopelman Gallery, in his honor. Kopelman’s passion for decorative arts and Nantucket history, as well as his tremendous support of the Nantucket Historical Association […]
As you walk through the streets of Nantucket you will see surrounding the chimneys of several houses seven- to eight-foot wooden platforms with wooden railings. These platforms are often called “widows’ walks”—a term which conjures up images of women in long skirts and bonnets gazing forlornly toward the harbor. You […]
“The Rainbow Fleet should sail this summer sixteen strong.” The year was 1922. Clarence Gennett, Vice-Commodore of the Nantucket Yacht Club was beginning to realize his dream. Gennett was one of three brothers who, with their father, Henry Gennett, owned the Starr Piano Company and its subsidiary, Gennett Records. The company laid the cornerstone for the recording of American jazz, blues, and country music.
Egan Maritime Institute invites the public to join in commemorating the 235th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 4 to 5 pm at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. This free, family-friendly event honors the proud history and ongoing service of the U.S. […]
